Opening Act

by Suleikha Snyder

Reporter Saroj Shah has been in love with bass player and bartender Adam Harper since her first day of college—seven years ago. Forever thinking of her as part-friend and part-little sister, he’s just been too blind, and too clueless, to see it. Until one pivotal moment pulls her into the spotlight.

The moment Saroj steps on stage, Adam sees his friend in a new light. He can’t take his mind off of her and realizes they could make beautiful music together. But seven years is a long time and Saroj is ready to move on. Adam will have to hit the right note if he wants to prove to Saroj he was worth the wait.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Novella, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

85 pages, ebook

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Editor, writer, American desi and lifelong geek Suleikha Snyder is an author of contemporary and erotic romance. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusivity in publishing, Suleikha is frequently ranting when she should really be adding to her body of work.

Suleikha lives in Chicago, finding inspiration in genre fiction, daytime and primetime soaps, and anything that involves chocolate or bacon. Visit her online at www.suleikhasnyder.com and follow her on Twitter @suleikhasnyder.

Reviews

[Mónica BQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of repetitive, the OTT was too much and the euphemisms were exaggerated, but I read it in a second. It totally caught me.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super short friends-to-lovers story about a woman named Saroj who has been in love with her friend Adam since they met in college, but he's totally clueless. What I loved about this was that she didn't let him off the hook for a) being oblivious, and b) indulging in weirdly possessive behavior as soon as she kissed a mutual friend. She even cuts off contact with him at one point as a form of self-care and I really appreciated that she was putting herself first. But since it's a romance, they do get a HEA. Adam just has to prove he's not into her just because she showed interest in someone else! Also loved some of the cultural details about her Gujarati family :) I wish this had been full-length because I would've loved to have more background info/flashbacks to how they met and the development of their friendship. It would've drawn out the sexual tension more.

[Xan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heart this friends to lovers romance. It's got some really lovely moments in it. I connected with Saroj, felt right with her as she took a chance just to DO something and feel good for once, as she struggled to believe things might finally go her way, as she kept reminding herself to be realistic and not let herself dream and fantasize, as she wanted to run to protect herself.

Snyder captures the way part of what makes you fall for someone can be witnessing them do something amazing creatively. It reminded me so much of falling for other artists, performers, and writers and what that's like. She has a way of describing yearning and desire that I connect with, and the same time that makes me want to be Saroj's friend and hold her hand and listen to her stories and dream big with her.

This book is a sweet cozy fantasy dream of being noticed by a longtime crush, being really seen for the first time. What a perfect thing to curl up with on a cold day. It's lovely to see Saroj get a chance at her happy ending. I wanted that for her pretty much from the start.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

A short romance about a woman who has been in love with her best friend for years. When Sajoi finally decides to move on, after being friend zoned for years, Adam has to face his fears about his feelings for her.

I liked this one though I wish it had been longer, if only to get the deeper more concrete connection between them.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. Very, very good. As a bonus I think that Suleikha should write me a future-take of Adam and Saroj. Not too far in the future, but at a certain pivotal momentous occasion.

[Rebecca Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

was good, but short and I wanted a little more of the story.

[NomdePlumePress · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Snyder's writing, but I don't think a novella was the right format for this book. I wanted more! In it, we learn that Saroj has loved Adam forever, and he finally notices her when his best friend starts making out with her in front of him. He's confused by his angry reaction, and Saroj is annoyed by it since that's what it took to get his attention and now he's going all caveman on her with no real understanding of why and no explicit intention of following through. So they have to figure it out together.

I liked the character of Saroj -- she's complex, she's self-aware, she's maybe got a little self-righteous outrage going on, but not without reason. Adam, I didn't really know. We are told that they were friends through college and that he was always sweet and caring, if clueless, but throughout this book he's just clueless, and always on the defensive, which really isn't fair to him. I did, however, appreciate the painful and troubling fact that he immediately wrote off Saroj as a romantic interest from the very start because he assumed her parents would never let her date him. I think that sometimes this is an excuse people give themselves for not dating outside their comfort zone, to put it mildly, but sometimes it's considered a legitimate reason for shutting it down. Either way it's complicated and it's real. It's been real in Lila's family, it's been real for some of our friends, and for some dear friends it's been terribly heartbreaking. Adam may have been smart to protect his heart in advance, but I'm much happier to see characters fight to break down the barriers that exist in their own homes. I'm always happy to see the issue addressed, though, because that means we're writing and reading books that actually reflect our society.

In the end, I think Adam and Saroj suffered from not having enough background to go on. We see Saroj hurt and on the attack and Adam defensive and a bit dumb, and then, whammo, he's in and she's in and everything's going to be pretty okay (actually, I'm more than okay with "pretty okay"). I would have liked more of their happy moments together, especially ones that occurred before the moment that Adam realizes Saroj is datable, so that I could understand why Saroj thought Adam was worth pining over for all those years. In the end, however, I rate this one "We like this book."

Neva

Reviewed from ARC. Published by Entangled May 27, 2014.

Full review at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like stories of your friends that become more this book might fit the bill. You have two friends who meet seven years earlier on their first day at college. You see it turns out at 18 they were going to be living in a co-ed dorm. Surprise! At least for Saroj Shah and her parents. Adam Harper already knew about it. She saw him for the first time in the restroom washing his hands and he walked her back to her room.
Saroj was from India and Adam from here in the States. Saroj fell in love with him on that first day Adam found her interesting, introducing himself to her and her parents. Even offering to look after and protecting her. Not making points with her parents but okay. This being part of the problem for the set up with their one sided relationship.
As he very well did over the next 6 years. Saroj is 24 years old now and a reporter covering local bands in the music scene. Adam plays in a band one that Saroj writes about a lot, he’s a bartender, and he saves to continue his extended college courses that he still takes.
Saroj is tired of waiting for Adam to notice her. She has started sending out resumes to Chicago and other states to remove her from the pain in her heart of being around Adam. She loves him and he doesn’t even know she is. He loves her like a half-sister and half friend. I enjoy conflict in stories to begin with it makes it interesting but for me after a while I got tired of Saroj and her whining. At one point Adam says he knew she had a crush on him then he says he didn’t. And they are such great friends, she’s his constant, she believes in him, can’t live without her, he has a crush on her, and yet he can’t say those 3 little words to her? But, he can go to bed with her and have wild monkey sex with her? Really? Wow!!! But you have to read to find out for yourself what happens but for me the read was good but I was just mad at the story. So, 3 stars for the story outcome. And, 4 stars for the overall. Provided by netgalley.com Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven years is a long time to love someone without them returning your love by word or deed, or them acknowledging that you are more than just a friend. I don't know anyone who'd wait that long.

Saroj did, but the waiting period is over when this story begins. I can't say I blame her. Adam's kind of...clueless. Maybe if this was about two people who meet in grade school then I could understand his lack of knowing what Saroj felt for him. But they were adults when they met, became friends...and stayed friends.

Saroj's love for Adam is front and center, right behind her decision that it's time to move on. Of course, it's then that Adam notices she might mean more to him than he originally thought. Or maybe it's because Johnny kisses her?

Funny how the unexpected is meant to work in one's favor but all it causes is chaos. See though, that chaos actually helps. It brings perspective and order to a world suddenly tipped on its axis, which helps those involved see what they've been missing. That kiss did more than make Adam see Saroj differently. It knocked him flat on his ass and made him realize that everything he wanted in a girlfriend had been right in front of him all along.

My favorite part of their relationship was that Adam was honest about his feelings for Saroj. In any other romance, the correct response to being told "I love you" is "I love you too." But for Saroj and Adam, that couldn't be the case. Saroj had years to go from like to love. Adam didn't have that, and he told her up front that he couldn't "right now." After all the times my heart dropped during this story, it was so encouraging to read "right now" because it meant they had a chance--finally!--to be a couple, to make it work, to get past their hangups together.

For a couple that is emotionally unequal, how awesome is that?

***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening Act by Suleikha Snyder breaks all the molds and looks fantastic doing it. It's definitely in the New Adult genre, but doesn't rely on all the "difficult subjects". It features a band that isn't completely dysfunctional. It has multicultural characters that shine, including the protagonist. The only problem: I wanted more, a lot more!

Saroj and Adam have known each other for years. For Saroj, those years have been spent nursing a crush. For Adam, they have been spent looking at Saroj like a sister and best friend. It all starts falling apart with a kiss, and not a shared one either. Suddenly, Adam's safe little world is rocked and its very foundations are cracking.

Saroj is, in a word, fantastic. Saroj is, by her own words, an American desi. Her cultural experiences, her family pressures, her religious observances are an open book and flow naturally through her as a character and through the narrative of the book. There is no sense that any of it is forced in any way (i.e., "need to add cultural reference here"). But Saroj doesn't have a long way to go to complete her character arc. It is Adam who has to get over his assumptions, Adam who needs to grow, become aware, accept himself as worthy. This is the crux of the story.

Woven with ease through the book are the various relationships, both Adam's and Saroj's. A deft and delicate hand draws out the plot where it needs to be tense and releases that tension in just the right and at just the right time. This is a story about growing up, letting go of old ideas, and accepting love.

RATING: 4

Heat Rating: Mild

REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves

Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief novella about a young woman, Saroj Shah, who's been crushing on her friend Adam, the bass player for a local band, for the past six years. Fellow band member Johnny Ray Morris, tired of watching Saroj "be a nun" for Adam, decides to shake his friend up by kissing Saroj after a show ("How about we give the choirboy something to be jealous of, huh?") Adam is shocked to see "sweet little Saroj" in a hot embrace; he's known of her crush for ages, and never chased her, thinking her too far above him (class-wise) for anything to come of it. But "the idea of [Saroj and Johnny] together make[s] him want to bleach his eyeballs," and Adam kisses her, too, suddenly allowing himself to want his "sweet" little friend.

Saroj, though, is tired of being taken for granted: "She was just good ol' Saroj, no? Half little sister, half study buddy. all off-limits. And now he was acting like she belonged to him. Just when she was determine to belong only to herself." The rest of the story is Saroj's back-and-forthing—will she let Adam into her life romantically? Or will she force him to make a long-term commitment first, one he's not quite ready to make?

Strong writing and relevant details from Saroj's life as a desi make for an enjoyable read, although the story is rather too short, and the final coming together not very motivated. And Saroj does come across as a bit neurotic (as Adam tells her, when she asks why he wants her now when he never did before), which makes her a bit hard to root for (not always fun to see one's own neurotic tendencies in a romance novel character...)

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and fun contemporary novella. Soroj has been in love with Adam for 7 years (since their college days) and he doesn’t have a clue or doesn’t want a clue (typical guy). This is true until Johnny (friend of both Soroj and Adam) decides to shake things up and goes all sexy kissy guy on Soroj. The light dawns on Adam! Well sort of. He knows he doesn’t like Johnny kissing Soroj but doesn’t know why (you really want to smack him sometimes).

Adam is a wonderfully sexy guy with a plan for his future. He’s also deliberately keeping himself clueless about any possible feelings his friend Soroj might have for him or he for her. He basically puts her on a pedestal in college with a “FRIENDS ONLY” plaque at the bottom and leaves her there.

Saroj was a strong and interesting heroine that did get a wee bit whiny at times. I understand she’s waited seven years for Adam to notice her but she could have spoken up about her feelings a little earlier or at least tested the waters a bit to see if Adam would come around. Although when she does finally speak up she unloads with both barrels (which was awesome).

Johnny, ah Johnny, I think he’s a bit like the Norse god Loki, sexy, funny, a little tricky but has a good heart. He’s Adam's best friend and band-mate and I really really hope he gets his own story.

I truly enjoyed reading this story, it had fun and interesting characters, a good plot and has me wanting to read more from this author.

[LJT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have an hour or so to spare for an enjoyable read? If so, check out Opening Act by Suleikha Snyder, a fun and realistic contemporary novella.

Saroj Shah has been in love with Adam Harper since the day they met as freshman in college, about seven years ago. Unfortunately, Adam has never considered Saroj to be more than a good friend or sister, much to Saroj's dismay. Now they are both in the workforce, Saroj an entertainment reporter for the local paper and Adam, a restaurant manager. Adam is also a hot bass player with a local grunge band. Because of Saroj's feelings for Adam, she has been one of the band's groupies for years. Now she is required to hear them play because it is her job to cover them for the paper.

Adam is basically clueless and has no idea that Saroj has feelings for him. He is shocked when he finally finds out and needs a little time to regroup. Unfortunately, Saroj is tired of waiting. However, they are able to work through their issues and discover a possible future together.

I liked this novella. The writing is good, the characters are well-developed and the plot is heartfelt as well as realistic. Saroj is a bit whiny at times, but it is understandable because she has waited seven years for Adam to come around. Johnny, Adam's band-mate and best friend, is funny and a bit devious, which adds another dimension to this gem of a read.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was a quick read that had lots of promise, but for some reason I just couldn't fully connect with the characters. I loved the premise of the book – unrequited love/friends to lovers, but I think it just took me too long to make any sort of connection to the story.

I love Saroj’s strength and really appreciated the fact that she was pretty straight-forward with Adam about her feelings – of course it took her seven years to get there, but once she commits to letting Adam know how she feels she really does her best to lay it all out there. Adam was an interesting character. Because he feels he can never be the right man for Saroj, he has placed her high up on the friend pedestal. It was fun watching him realize that his feelings may run a bit deeper than he realized – even if he made me want to smack some sense into him for being such a guy at times!

I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention JR - I think he was my favorite character and I would love to see his story written!

Even though I wasn’t fully connected to the story, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good friends to lover story with a strong female lead.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saroji Shah is a reporter but has had a crush for seven years on her friend Adam Harper. Adam is a bass player in a band and bartenders the rest of the time.

Saroji has a this big crush for seven years on Adam but he never gives her the time of day. I believe that he has hidden his feelings since the day he meet her parents on the first day of college. He has made himself put those feelings away and told himself that they could only be friends. It all comes to head when he see's his best friend holding her up to the wall and giving one hot kiss.

Adam works out his feelings and what it would mean to admit something he has hidden for years. Now he just wants the chance to have a relationship with Saroji. Now she is ready to give him up and move away. When they finally have their feelings blow up it becomes a powerful tornado and clothes are going everywhere.

This was a pretty fast read and it could have been longer. I feel that I missed some of the first years that they met. There had to be some clues there somewhere.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me thinking about it long after I was finished reading it. I loved the was that Suleikha made this a very real situation, and it made me relate to the characters all the better. I completely understand why Saroj is angry and finally pushes Adam away, when in reality, he's all she's ever wanted. I also understand Adam's perspective that he never thought he was good enough for Saroj. I felt completely bad for Adam as his feelings blindsided him, as he finally saw Saroj in a new light. One that he had never let himself see before. This was a fantastic book and I am looking forward to reading more from Suleikha. I loved the real feelings that were poured out from the pages, everything from being heart-broken and lonely on Saroj's side to realizing that what you were looking for was with you all along - you just didn't realize it on Adam's. I wish it was longer, because I wanted to see more of what happened between Adam and Saroj, but was very happy with the ending.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a short fun read, I loved how Saroj fought back and stood up for herself, "I've been waiting," she said before she could think of it. "And it's been too damn long. Johnny Ray was up for a little playing, so I went with it. That's it. It's done. What more is there to say?" I mean you could tell her heart was on her sleeve through out the book, "yeah, you care so much that it took Johnny sticking his tongue down my throat for you to say something." She shook her head. "That's not fair." You know the saying you mess with the bull you get the horns well that saying pretty much sums up Adam's actions, "but Adam waved his hand, dismissing it. "Eff Johnny," he said in a near-growl. "You didn't answer my texts. What the hell?" I was really glad Adam got his head out of his butt and took some action to get his woman.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotionally heart tugging novella to read. It was simple, easy story to get into. There were several parts where my heart would sink because I could totally relate to Saroj. She seemed so relatable and real to me, and how I would react in her situation. And Adam was so sweet with the way his eyes were finally open to the possibility of a chance to be with Saroj. It was funny to watch him go crazy and to look at her in a different light. JR, their friend stole the show for me. He was hilarious. We all need a fun friend like him. Would love to read his story.

The only thing I would want from this story is a little more of a glimpse into their future, to see how it all played out.

[Amy Cousins]

This book was absolutely lovely. Also, painful to read. Saroj, the heroine, has been in love with the hero, Adam, for years, while he has only ever seen her as a good friend. If you have one (or more) of these unrequited love stories in your own past, grab this book. As awkward as it is to read about Saroj being as dumb as I have been over a guy, it was a gorgeous fantasy to read how it all works out for them. Sigh. I loved it because it's the ultimate in wish fulfillment. Also, Suleikha wrote some of my favorite secondary characters ever. They are fantastic and I'll certainly be keeping an eye out, just in case she rustles up a story or two for some of them. I really, really enjoyed this one. :)

[Amanda Menninga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saroj has been in love with Adam since forever...or the first day of college. They were best of friends through college and afterwards while he plays bass for his band and she becomes a journalist following and reviewing for the band. Everyone knows that Saroj is in love with Adam but Adam. It takes a well placed kiss for him to realize his feelings but is scared that he isn't good enough for Saroj. Saroj just wants Adam to see her for her, and not to think that just because of what happened that they should be together.

Great easy read. Good romance with some conflict between the characters, but love a happy ending.

**I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Anna Lenhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a confusing romance between Saroj and Adam. It tried to be a best friends to lovers book, but it was super confusing. Saroj has been Adam's number one fan/best friend since college. She is in love, and he isn't interest. She starts to move on and flirt with his band mate, which causes Adam to change his mind. Crises ensues and eventually resolves with a happily ever after.

The first part of this novella was confusing, I didn't feel Saroj and Adam's connection. Honest this romance wasn't my cup of tea... Other might like it more, but I struggled to finish it. I was given a free copy for an honest review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's loved him for years. He's kept her firmly in the friend zone. Maybe it's time for a change! This was a good NA read (a little confusing in the beginning) that tells a great story of two people not wanting to lose the friendship they have but needing to discover if it could be more. Well written once the story got flowing. Recommended read.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read. I like friends to lovers stories. I think it felt pretty true to life. It was pretty short, but enough history was able to be given to make it relatable. I like that it ended in a HFN instead of a (usually unrealistic) HEA. Usually I don't care about epilogues too much, but it might have been nice to include one here.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

a short, sweet novella about Saroj who has loved Adam for years yet he is clueless. After playing out one day Adams friend and bandmate kisses Saroj and Adam comes to the rescue and begins to feel things he tried to deny and bury.
This book has a low heat factor yet the sweetness is endearing. I loved the characters and enjoyed Adams journey to awareness.

[Boxy Frown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny and sexy friends to lovers novella. Great read! A more in depth first look is coming soon.
*Here is my First Look at Heroes and Heartbreakers!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can see my full review at My Book Addiction Reviews and here on GoodReads."

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an ARC from NetGalley.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great read. Saroj and Adam story is sometimes people don't realize what they have until it's no longer in front of them.

[Leonicka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the guy was a clueless idiot through most of the story, I liked the heroine a lot and the ending was sweet. :)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5